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Ouachitas Region
All that glistens is not gold… but when you're in the Ouachitas, you may come across a diamond, quartz crystal or even a "diamond" lake! Dig into the soil at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only public diamond mine in the nation and keep the treasures you discover. Then venture over to the mines of the Mount Ida area and hunt for beautiful quartz crystals. Enjoy fishing, skiing, swimming, scuba diving and other water sports in the five "diamond lakes" region, which include: Lakes Ouachita, Hamilton, Catherine, Greeson and DeGray.
Hot Springs National Park, known as "America's First Resort," has much to brag about. This spa community boasts of top thoroughbred racing at Oaklawn, wet and dry family fun at Magic Springs/Crystal Falls theme park, nature's beauties at Garvan Woodland Gardens Artists studios, antique shops, restaurants, live entertainment and relaxing spa experiences along Bath House Row make Hot Springs an ideal day trip destination.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Murfreesboro - Ouachitas
Located approximately 2 and a half hours from Little Rock. The park is located two miles southeast of Murfreesboro on Ark. 301.
Contact Information:
Phone: 870-285-3113
Email: craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com
Website: http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com
Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwest Arkansas offers park visitors a one-of-a-kind adventure, the opportunity to hunt for real diamonds. And best of all, visitors get to keep any gems they find. "Finders-keepers" is the policy here at this unique state park that offers a visitor experience unlike any other. Park prospectors search over a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient, diamond-bearing volcanic pipe that is the world's eighth largest in surface area. Prospectors access the field through the park visitor center that features exhibits and an audiovisual program explaining the site's geology and tips on recognizing diamonds in the rough.
Crater of Diamonds State Park has undergone many enhancements for the enjoyment of park visitors. The park's new $1.2 million, mining-themed aquatic playground, Diamond Springs, opened to rave reviews on Memorial Weekend. Located adjacent to the park's diamond search area, the 14,700-square-foot facility features a 4,166-square-foot wading pool with aquatic playground equipment including spray geysers, sprayers, jets, animated waterspouts, cascades, two water slides and waterfall hideaways. The facility includes a pool deck with three shaded cabanas, tables with umbrellas and lounge chairs. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this sparkling new play pool.
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Garvan Woodland GardensHot Springs - Ouachitas |
Garvan Woodland Gardens is Arkansas' botanical garden. Located near Hot Springs National Park, the Garden's gently-sloping Ouachita Mountain terrain covers 210 acres of a forested peninsula jutting into Lake Hamilton. The gardens showcase floral landscapes, free-flowing streams and waterfalls, as well as breathtaking architectural structures in a natural woodland setting. This woodland habitat is home to hundreds of natural and exotic plant and animal species and is nestled near one of the nation's oldest and most intimate national parks.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs - Ouachitas
Approximately 1 hour from Little Rock.
Hot Springs National Park is in downtown Hot Springs; Bathhouse Row is on Central Avenue with the mountains of the park flanking the street. Visitors traveling north-south on I-30 take the Hot Springs US 70 West exit south of Benton, the Hot Springs US 270 West exit at Malvern, or the Hot Springs Ark. 7 North exit near Arkadelphia; visitors traveling south on Ark. 7 will come through downtown Hot Springs where the visitor center is located. When you get into the city you will see signs for the National Park. The Visitor Center is located downtown on Highway 7 North or Central Avenue.
Contact Information:
Phone: 501-624-3383
Fax: 501-624-3458
Website: http://www.nps.gov/hosp
A remarkable array of thermal springs in a valley of the Ouachita Mountains prompted Congress in 1832 to set aside the site as a federal reservation. Though it officially became America’s 18th national park in 1921, the site is believed to be the oldest in the national park system protected by law. On Bathhouse Row, the park’s most celebrated feature, the Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park’s visitors center and a museum of the thermal bathing industry. The park also features a working bathhouse, a mountain observation tower, an open cascade spring and hiking trails.
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Magic Springs/Crystal FallsHot Springs - Ouachitas |
Among more than 80 attractions and amusement rides at this combination theme and water park are five exciting roller coasters, including the legendary Arkansas Twister and a new 2,260-foot suspended, looping coaster that reaches 110 feet high. The beautifully landscaped water park features a 350,000-gallon wave pool, thrilling water slide complex, relaxing lazy river, children’s activity pool and a family splash zone. The park’s amphitheater hosts a summer series of musical concerts.
Oaklawn Park
Hot Springs - Ouachitas
Located approximately 1 hour from Little Rock. From I-30, take Ark. 70 until you reach Hot Springs. Hwy 70 will become Grand Ave once you reach the city. Turn south on Scenic Ark. 7 (Central Ave) and travel about a mil.
Contact Information:
Toll Free: 800-OAKLAWN
Email: winning@oaklawn.com
Website: http://www.oaklawn.com
Finest thoroughbred racing from late January to mid April capped off by the Racing Festival of the South. Largest horse racing operation outside New York and California. Featuring simulcast racing from Triple Crown Races, Breeder’s Cup, Louisiana Downs and Saratoga. GROUPS: Infield, which can accommodate up to 50,000 people, is available for company picnics, large groups, and concerts.
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Ouachita/Caddo Rivers Float TripsArkadelphia - Ouachitas |
For the beginner or a family outing, the long float on the Ouachita River is a wonderful experience. The river's long, lazy pools and sparkling shoals make the river especially inviting for families wishing to pause for a swim and/or picnic along the way. The long float begins on the Caddo River at and joins the Ouachita River 2 miles later. It then continues on for 6 more miles and ends at the Ouachita River bridge park take-out point in Arkadelphia. The long float is an 8 mile float which takes between 4 to 5 hours. What a great way to spend the day!
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Queen Wilhelmina State ParkMena - Ouachitas |
The Talimena National Scenic Byway stretches for 54 miles along crests of the Ouachita Mountains between Mena, Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma. Sitting atop Arkansas’s second highest peak and located on the byway 13 miles west of Mena, Queen Wilhelmina State Park’s lodge accommodates travelers with 38 rooms, including two with fireplaces and two with spa tubs, and a restaurant and gift shop. A miniature golf course, miniature train rides and hiking trails, lined with colorful wildflowers in the spring, provide family activities. Guests using the park’s campground often include hikers on the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which runs through the park.
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